We lost our "Pickles" this weekend....

[Mikanik]

Fault in fence + dog that thinks ducks are play toys = very important lesson learned.

Our Rouen, Pickles (or "Giggles" as I called her), is no longer with us. She's now resting under her favorite shady spot where her and her sister, Olive, would cuddle together. We got them last year, our first ducklings, and she was my baby. We've since gone around the entire duck yard, checked every single plank of wood, every nook and cranny, fixed any flaws and holes that were even big enough for a little head to poke out. The yard is now dog and duck proof....very good and crappy lesson to have to learn. Dealing with the grief by completely spoiling our remaining "flock".

Now I'm worried about our Olive. We have the two new ducklings, but Olive isn't too keen on them. We've gone so far as to bring Olive in the house at night and keep her in the bathroom where the ducklings are....although they're out of her reach as she like to try to peek over their box and try to nip them. She even jumped in their box the first night to try to get at them...so now the ducklings are in the tub where they can be somewhat seen and heard by her, but aren't within her reach. If it's warm enough during the day we put the ducklings in a large wire kennel out in the duck yard where Olive is able to see them and wander around. We're hoping this consoles her somewhat (???) because she's just been somewhat "off" the last couple days.

Just not quite sure what exactly to do. I've never dealt with anything like this. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

 

[Kevin565]

I'm so sorry for your loss

 

[jessiduck]

I'm so sorry to hear this!

I feel your pain so much! </3

In time, you may want to get Olive another companion!

 

[Mikanik]

Thanks so much for replying and condolences. <3

I was wondering if I needed to go get an older duck so Olive wasn't so alone. She just seems to wander the yard...giving the occasional quack now and then. She's usually such a quiet girl. She looks so sad just laying there all alone. The little ones are too small to be let out still and, like i said, Olive constantly wants to nip at them. Although, when they're in the dog pen outside Olive will stick her beak through the cage and drink their water ...even at the same time as they are taking a drink. I just don't know quite how to deal with what I consider a depressed duck.

 

[QuackerJackFarms]

So sorry to hear about pickles.

 

[MallardDuckling]

I'm sorry for your loss.
I hope that you don't beat yourself up over this. It was a horrible accident.
It's hard moving on, but try and focus now on Olive and the ducklings. Hopefully it will help you cope.

R.I.P. Pickles/Giggles

 

[Miss Lydia]

So sorry for your loss.